Question
QUESTION: I recently bought a Cissus rhombifolia 'Ellen Danica" which I have owned before and absolutly love. However I have tried to propagate this plant by trimming the ends and planting back into the soil. This does not seem to work, and after enough research, it seems like I might need a hormone powder. I do not know how to use this product or even know if this is the right thing to do.
I also have a Aeschynanthus "Lipstick" and have the same problem propagating.
What should I do?
Please help!!
Cynthia

ANSWER: Hi Cynthia,
Thanx for your question.  Some hardwood cuttings are hard to root.  Hormone powders may not be strong enough.  Here is a link for Dip-N-Gro which I have not tried but is supposed to be stronger than the standard powders.  Basically, just follow the directions on the package.  You can use soil less mix, damp sand or perlite as your growing medium.  Keep the bottom warm (75F)and don't go above 80F.  Mist the the cuttings a couple of times a day.  The more humid the environment the better and lots of light.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://btgrowersupply.stores.yahoo.net/dipngropint.html

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do I assume I need to use Dip-n-Grow for the "Lipstick" plant as well? It seems like some of the cuttings from it are growing now and I just trimmed and planted in the soil. I did notice that the ones that are growing are the ones that were planted deeper, meaning at least three leaf sections were under the soil. Could it be that this plant doesn't need the hormone powder?
Thanks again,
Cynthia Jessup

Answer
Hi Cynthia,
Thanx for the additional information.  Sounds to me like the "Lipstick" would benefit from the hormone powder but why buy two.  I'd go ahead and use it on the "Lipstick" so I didn't have to buy two kinds unless you use the powder for other easy to root cuttings.  I hope this helps.
Tom